Recently, LOOK worked with RNIB to gather the views of blind and partially sighted young people on the ban. Nearly forty young people on our mentoring scheme shared their experiences, concerns and hopes for the future.
Their responses were mixed.
On the one hand, young people told us that social media can be a powerful way of connecting. They talked about finding friends, support and role models who understand what it’s like to live with a visual impairment. For many, it has helped them feel less lonely and isolated, particularly when there may be few other visually impaired young people in their local area.
Responses highlighted the importance of online communities and visually impaired content creators, helping them feel understood and represented.
Young people also valued social media as a place to learn new things, stay connected with friends and discover opportunities they might otherwise miss.
I really enjoy using social media to connect with communities that share my interests and using it is quite important to me as there’s lots about life with a VI and people’s struggles with it and some advice on how to navigate it myself.
At the same time, they were clear about the challenges. Some talked about major barriers to their online experience. Platforms that are very heavy on visual content can be difficult to navigate with screen readers, magnification software and other assistive technologies.
If I could see, I would be able to keep up-to-date with the latest things that my peers are watching, the fact that this is inaccessible leaves me out.
Young people also raised concerns about addictive scrolling, inappropriate content, online bullying and the pressures social media can bring. In many ways, the challenges online mirror and exaggerate the challenges in the offline world.
The biggest issue is comparison. Everyone compares themselves even subconsciously and absorbs issues of image whether it’s physical body image or mentally not feeling they have high enough ambitions or ability to achieve various things.
Views on a potential social media ban for under-16s were mixed. While some supported stronger restrictions, many felt that safer, moderated and more accessible platforms would be preferable to a blanket ban. The overall message from these young people is not that social media is perfect, but that it serves an important purpose for people with vision impairments that should not be overlooked.
As a mum, I welcome many aspects of the changes. We know that too many children are spending increasing amounts of time alone in their bedrooms scrolling, becoming disconnected from people, places and experiences. All young people need the chance to engage with the wider world, their communities, their imaginations and nature, to thrive.
As a blind person, I know just how important it is to connect with people who share your experiences. Access to visually impaired role models and communities can be life-changing, particularly for young people feeling isolated.
This is why we created our mentoring programme. For ten years we have provided safe, long-term connections through a protected online platform, so that young people can build meaningful relationships with peers, regardless of where they live. This has been truly transformational for many young people, who tell us our service makes them feel valued and understood.
The responses of young people to the RNIB survey highlight the need for digital design that is inclusive and accessible for everyone. The message is clear: accessibility cannot be an afterthought. It must be built into platforms from the very beginning.
Technology companies have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe, accessible and inclusive. However, the debate around banning social media risks missing a deeper point.
Our mentoring experience has shown us that it’s not one-or-the-other – when it comes to online and face-to-face connection, both are essential.
For many, online connection is a lifeline. But it cannot replace the confidence, independence and sense of belonging that come from meeting others in person, trying new things and participating fully in the real world.
The young people who took part in the survey remind us that, regardless of a social media ban, they will continue to feel isolated until we tackle the real life barriers they face on a daily basis.
Families tell us that they want to meet face-to-face at our events, such as LOOKFest, our fully accessible festival, and our residential at Jamie’s Farm. At these events, young people make friends, try new things, build confidence and discover what is possible for their future.
We must all create more opportunities for disabled children and young people to participate in their local communities and feel that they belong.
At Look, we will continue connecting young people and positive role models, empowering them to access the wider world with confidence and ambition.
Support For You
Look offers a wide range of resources to support visually impaired young people as they navigate growing up. From mental health support and self-advocacy skills to money management and more, our extensive database provides practical guidance every step of the way.